Chenab Bridge: During his visit to Katra in Jammu and Kashmir today, June 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil several major infrastructure and development projects worth over ₹46,000 crore. This marks his first visit to the Union Territory since India launched Operation Sindoor, which involved precision airstrikes on terror facilities in Pakistan in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
Modi will inaugurate the world’s highest railway arch bridge, a milestone in Indian infrastructure history, and launch two Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Srinagar and Katra. These initiatives aim to significantly enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and spur local development, transforming transport in the region.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi will begin the day by inaugurating the Chenab Bridge at 11 a.m. He will then travel to the Anji Bridge site for its official opening. Around noon, he will board one of the new Vande Bharat trains. These semi-high-speed trains, running on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), will provide faster and more reliable access to and from the Kashmir Valley.
Chenab Bridge-Engineerring Marvel:
People are hailing the Chenab Bridge as an engineering marvel. Engineers constructed the 1,315-meter-long steel arch bridge 359 meters above the riverbank, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower. They designed it to withstand extreme weather, high seismic activity, and strong winds. The bridge plays a crucial role in the 272-kilometer Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which many regard as one of India’s most ambitious and challenging railway undertakings.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) highlighted the Chenab Bridge’s strategic importance, stating that it will significantly enhance connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Vande Bharat train crossing the bridge will reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to about three hours, saving passengers two to three hours.
Officials expect the launch of Vande Bharat trains on the Katra-Srinagar route to boost regional tourism and economic development. Pilgrims, tourists, and locals will benefit from faster, more comfortable rail travel.
Also Read: 5 Key Facts About the World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge
Jammu & Kashmir’s Infrastructure:
A wide range of projects targeted at enhancing Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure, energy access, road and rail connectivity, healthcare, and education are also included in the ₹46,000-crore development package. The Modi administration has made it clear that these programs are a part of a larger effort to guarantee the region’s integration with the rest of the nation and its holistic development. In addition to marking a significant turning point in the construction of infrastructure, today’s celebration serves as a reminder of the Center’s commitment to peace, development, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Also Read: PM Modi Launches Vande Bharat From Srinagar Post Pahalgam Attack